Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
  • C02F1/004—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using large scale industrial sized filters
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/50—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition or application of a germicide or by oligodynamic treatment
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
  • C02F1/5236—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
  • C02F1/5236—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents
  • C02F1/5245—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents using basic salts, e.g. of aluminium and iron
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
  • C02F1/54—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using organic material
  • C02F1/56—Macromolecular compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
  • C02F1/76—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with halogens or compounds of halogens
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F2001/007—Processes including a sedimentation step
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
  • C02F2103/42—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
  • C02F2303/04—Disinfection

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to treating a large body of water in order to make the water suitable for recreational purposes; more specifically for treating the water using a low cost sanitary system and method to minimize the risk of growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others, thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative manner and at low costs. More specifically, the invention relates to a low cost and sanitary efficient system and method that creates two different treatment zones in large water bodies to facilitate direct contact recreational activities.
• recreational water bodies such as swimming pools and larger water bodies like swimming lakes
• microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others, which can create risks for bathers that use such water bodies for swimming, bathing, and for other direct contact recreational uses.
• swimming pool technology has been the most used water treatment technology for small water bodies used for recreational swimming purposes.
• various health entities from around the world have adopted regulations concerning the water treatment in order to regulate minimum health standards for swimming pools.
• sand filters are capable of filtering out particles in the size range of down to 20-25 microns and cartridge filters are typically capable of removing particles in the size range down to 5-10 microns.
• Cryptosporidium oocysts are approximately 4-6 microns in size. This makes them very difficult to remove by conventional pool filtration with the commonly used filters being able to remove only about 25% of oocysts per passage through the filter.
• the disinfection and filtration systems are not prepared for removing such microorganisms.
• Traditional disinfection is not enough to inactivate or kill such microorganisms, and the filtration system is not suitable for removing them from the water in an appropriate timeframe that ensures that people will not become infected once the contamination takes place.
• swimming pools are prone to RWIs triggered by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others present in the water which can have high resistance to conventional swimming pool water treatment methods, and therefore can potentially reach bathers either by swallowing the water, breathing the re-suspended microorganisms, or simply by having direct contact with the water.
• microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others present in the water which can have high resistance to conventional swimming pool water treatment methods, and therefore can potentially reach bathers either by swallowing the water, breathing the re-suspended microorganisms, or simply by having direct contact with the water.
• the CDC reported that RWIs cases caused by Cryptosporidium in the U.S. had tripled since 2004. However, this increase may have been influenced by more advanced detection methods, e.g., meaning that previous cases may have existed but went undetected. More recently, data collected during 2013-2014 from the CDC indicates that there were more than 71 outbreak cases from swimming pools reported in the U.S., resulting in more than 950 cases. From 2000-2014, more than 450 outbreaks have been reported, resulting in more than 27,000 cases, where more than half of such cases were due to Cryptosporidium.
• swimming pools are prone to RWIs caused by amoebas present in the water body.
• RWIs caused by amoebas present in the water body.
• a 2003 study performed in Santiago, Chile found that five out of eight public swimming pools had free living amoebas during the summer period, and that Naegleria Fowleri and Acanthoamoebas were present in 36.3% of the samples.
• one of said public swimming pools where no free living amoebas or microorganism were found had an extremely high chlorine concentration which made the surrounding air unbreathable and caused eye irritation (especially because it was an indoor pool with poor air circulation).
• such large water bodies are partially treated using methods that essentially consist of reduced applications of conventional swimming pool technologies.
• the disinfectant levels and filtration levels are typically much lower than required in conventional swimming pools.
• the water volume is partially filtered and/or with less periodicity.
• a representative case is the one at Disney’s River County, where an 11 -year-old boy died from Naegleria Fowleri , which he contracted while swimming in their artificial lagoon. Another case happened at North Carolina’s National Whitewater Center, where an 18-year-old woman died about a week after contracting the amoeba while rafting at the center.
• Acanthoamoebas enter the human body through the eyes or skin cuts, travelling to the central nervous system and with an incubation period of only a few days. In the latter case, most of cases end with a fatal outcome.
• Both amoebas and acanthoamoebas are particularly dangerous where they are present in water bodies having strong currents or a constant water movement that generates a resuspension of sediments accumulated on the bottom surface of the water bodies. The resuspension increases the chances for the bacteria to reach the nose and eyes of bathers.
• Monitoring the amoebas through water quality analysis is extremely complex and requires specific knowledge.
• amoebas can be present in certain locations within the water bodies, hidden in comers or in bottom sediments. Therefore, the detection of these amoeba require training, specific analysis and controls - all of which illustrate the need for a system and method for properly treat recreational use swimming lakes to avoid or minimize such risks.
• CT index results from a specific concentration of a disinfectant“C” and the amount of time“T” that the disinfectant is in contact with the water at such specific concentration in order to achieve a suitable disinfection.
• the CT index is therefore determined by multiplying both values, as may be seen in the following equation:
• CT values allow for the inactivation of different microorganisms, parasites, and protozoa, based on the type of disinfectant used, the temperature and pH of the water, and the level of inactivation required.
• Table 1 illustrates CT values for the inactivation of microorganisms.
• Inactivation is measured as 1 log, 2 log, 3 log or 4 log, as illustrated in the following Table 2:
• a concentration C of 1 ppm can be used for a time T of 112 minutes, achieving a CT of 112
• a concentration C of 2 ppm can be used for a time T of 56 minutes, achieving a CT of 112
• the present invention provides a system and method for treating a large body of water in order to make the water suitable for recreational purposes.
• Methods and systems according to the principles of the invention provide a low cost sanitary system and method that minimize the risks of contamination of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others.
• microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others.
• Such system and method may be employed in swimming lakes and man-made large water bodies, among others.
• the principles of the invention include designating two different treatment zones in the large body of water.
• the two zones have different configurations and treatment methods.
• the first zone is a sedimentation zone. This zone is used mainly to provide treatment and settling of microorganisms and/or contaminants to inactivate and/or remove them from the water body.
• the second zone is a dissipation zone. This zone is where the main direct contact recreational water activities are intended to occur.
• a water flow is established that along with the natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences, allow generating a water dissipation pattern of the volume of water within the dissipation zone 2 into the sedimentation zone 1.
• continuous disinfection of the water volume in the dissipation zone is provided.
• a low cost and sanitary efficient method for providing large water bodies for direct contact recreational purposes of at least 3,000 m 2 , the method comprising: designating a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 in the large water body, applying a disinfection method based on a CT index and applying an efficient amount of a flocculant composition into the sedimentation zone 1 that aids in the settling of different microorganisms and/or contaminants that are present in the sedimentation zone 1, and minimally disturb the water volume within the sedimentation zone, whereby disturbance to the sedimentation process is minimized; maintaining a permanent chlorine residual in the dissipation zone 2 water volume by adding an efficient amount of a chlorine disinfectant into the dissipation zone 2 so that at least a 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level is maintained in the water volume contained within the dissipation zone 2; injecting water to the dissipation zone by means of one or more inlet nozzles that along with the natural current
• the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2 are not separated by a physical barrier and the ratio between the water volume within the dissipation zone and the water volume within the sedimentation zone is from 1 :2 to 1 :40.
• the method further comprises designing the sedimentation zone so that, as a daily average, no more than 20% of the total number of bathers utilizing the large water body are present in the sedimentation zone 1, and wherein the sedimentation zone 1 is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes; further comprising designing the dissipation zone for direct contact purposes such as swimming; and/or further comprising designing the dissipation zone so that as a daily average, 80% or more of the swimmers utilizing the large water body are present in the dissipation zone 2.
• the large water bodies with which the principles of the present invention may be utilized include existing water bodies (such as swimming lakes) or water bodies that are constructed.
• a system for establishing a large water body suitable for direct contact recreational purposes comprising: a sedimentation zone 1 located within a portion of the large water body 3 and along a portion of the periphery 12; a system for dosing chemicals 19 within the sedimentation zone arranged and configured to apply: i) disinfectant agents in the water volume within the sedimentation zone to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, where C is defined as the concentration and T is defined as the minimum contact time, and ii) flocculant agents into the sedimentation zone that aid in the settling process of the different microorganisms, parasites, and protozoa that are present in the water body and inactivated by the CT cycle; a dissipation zone located within a portion of the large water body and along a portion of the periphery 12; a system for dos
• Fig. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a large water body comprising two separate zones, a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2.
• Fig. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of a large water body including a sedimentation zone 1 and two dissipation zones 2.
• Fig. 3 illustrates shows an enlarged portion of the water body of Fig. 1 showing an embodiment sedimentation zone 1 and dissipation zone 2.
• Figs. 4A - 4G show an exemplary embodiment of the invention where the method of the invention is illustrated.
• Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of the various components which may be utilized in an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a portion of the periphery 12 of a large water body in an area of the dissipation zone 2.
• Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment method utilized in connection with the present invention.
• the present invention relates to a low cost and sanitary efficient method for providing large water bodies with two different treatment zones for direct contact recreational purposes.
• the low cost and sanitary efficient method of the present invention addresses the technical inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies in maintaining safe and sanitary conditions in water bodies by combining the technical features of a dissipation zone 2 for direct contact recreational purposes, which has a particular and efficient water dissipation pattern as well as a minimum permanent concentration of a chlorine disinfectant, together with a sedimentation zone 1 that is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes, which is not physically separated from the dissipation zone 2 and is configured to inactivate, flocculate and eliminate dangerous microorganisms previously dissipated from the dissipation zone 2.
• the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion patterns and sedimentation capacity of the water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safer environments for water recreational purposes that have not been described nor applied before and that solve the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of partially treated large water bodies, allowing thus the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms (e.g., such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others), thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative manner and at low costs.
• microorganisms e.g., such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others
• direct contact recreational activities involve repeated or continuous direct contact of bathers with the water, involving a significant risk of ingestion of water, such as swimming, water skiing, diving, surfing and wading by children.
• secondary contact or non-contact recreational uses do not involve the direct contact of bathers with water and therefore do not involve a significant risk of water ingestion, such as fishing, or boating activities.
• the method of the present invention allows inactivating and/or removing contaminants and/or microorganisms from large water bodies, where such microorganisms can come from the air, water sources, external contamination, or more likely from bathers that access the water body who are carrying such contaminants.
• the present invention relates to a low cost and sanitary efficient method for providing large water bodies suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, wherein the method is defined, inter alia , by:
• the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2 are located within the same water body 3, and are not separated by a physical barrier,
• the sedimentation zone 1 can have a second purpose (e.g., in addition to functioning as the sedimentation zone), that is an aesthetic purpose and is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes, and is therefore designed to have a density of bathers lower than the dissipation zone 2,
• the dissipation zone 2 is used for direct contact purposes, such as swimming and bathing, and is designed to have a high density of bathers,
• dissipation zone 2 is configured to allow a Contamination Reduction
• the present invention also relates to a system for establishing a large water body 3 suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, wherein the system comprises:
• a sedimentation zone 1 located within a portion of the large water body 3 and along a portion of the periphery; b) a system for dosing chemicals along the periphery within the sedimentation zone 1 arranged and configured to apply: i) disinfectant agents in the water volume within the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, where C is defined as the concentration and T is defined as the minimum contact time; and ii) a flocculant composition into the sedimentation zone 1 that aids in the settling process of the different microorganisms, parasites, and protozoa that are present in the water body and inactivated by the CT cycle; c) a dissipation zone 2 located within a portion of the large water body and along a portion of the periphery; d) one or more inlet nozzles 26 along the periphery within the dissipation zone 2 arranged and configured to inject water to the dissipation zone 2 to generate a diffusion pattern of the water
• the large water bodies with which the principles of the present invention may be practiced can be natural or artificial water bodies and can have a surface area of at least 3,000 m 2 , more preferably at least 8,000 m 2 and even more preferably at least 12,000 m 2 and most preferably at least 24,000 m 2 .
• a first sedimentation zone 1 and a second dissipation zone 2 both having different configurations, disinfection methods, cleaning requirements, and dissipation conditions.
• Both zones are located within the same large water body 3, and are not separated by a physical barrier, as the dissipation zone 2 is open into the sedimentation zone 1. Both zones may be delimited by the use of a delimitation means or device 4. Therefore, in an embodiment of the invention, a delimitation means 4 separates the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2.
• the means of delimitation 4 according to the invention may be selected from the group comprising a visual delimitation, overhead flags, a series of buoys, a flotation line, a delimitation line, a slope change, different depths and combinations thereof, among others.
• the approximate location of the means of delimitation can be established by other means such as in a brochure, designations by signage or rules, a handbook, a user guideline and by written and/or verbal instructions, among others.
• the ratio between the volume contained within the dissipation zone 2 and the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is preferably 1 :2, more preferably 1 : 10, even more preferably 1 :30 and most preferably 1 :40.
• the sedimentation zone 1 is configured to provide treatment and settling of contaminants and/or microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others in order to inactivate and remove them from the water body 3.
• contaminants and/or microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others in order to inactivate and remove them from the water body 3.
• the sedimentation zone 1 includes specific features that allow an efficient sedimentation of the suspended contaminants and microorganisms and avoiding their resuspension, including: (a) it has a defined depth, (b) it is designed to have a limited density of bathers, (c) it includes a disinfection treatment based on a CT index, (d) it includes the application of flocculants to aid in the settling of microorganisms and/or contaminants, and (e) it has a defined surface that ensures maintaining a calm water body to minimize water flows and water circulation that may interfere with the settling process.
• a defined depth The sedimentation zone 1 is designed so that its depth allows an efficient settling of the microorganisms.
• the depth of the sedimentation zone 1 is at least 1.8 meters at its deepest point, which contributes in preventing bathers from stepping over the bottom surface of the sedimentation zone which might cause the re-suspension of microorganisms and impurities that have already settled on the bottom of the sedimentation zone 1.
• the depth of the sedimentation zone 1 is at least 2 meters at its deepest point, and preferably at least 2.2 meters at its deepest point.
• the sedimentation zone is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes; and due to its depth, potential bathers that want to access and stay in such zone would tend to go back to the dissipation zone 2 which is suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, and therefore the sedimentation zone 1 is designed so the that density of bathers in such sedimentation zone is limited to less than 20% of the total bathers present in the large water body 3 and more preferably less than 10% of the total bathers present in the large water body 3. Such 20% and 10% of the total bathers are calculated as a daily average, taking in account the total number of bathers that enter the water body 3.
• a disinfection treatment based on a CT index The sedimentation zone 1 is treated based on a CT index, wherein the CT can be determined to be the one suitable to inactivate most dangerous microorganisms such as Naegleria Fowleri , Giardia or Cryptosporidium , among others.
• the disinfection treatment based on a CT index requires that the sedimentation zone 1 is treated by adding disinfectant agents to achieve a specific concentration“C” during a minimum contact time of“T” in the complete water volume of the sedimentation zone 1.
• a disinfection method is performed such that disinfectant agents are applied to the water volume contained in the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, since the same has proven to be a CT index that provides safe and sanitary conditions in order to inactivate not only Naegleria Fowleri but other dangerous microorganisms that are present in recreational water bodies..
• the sedimentation zone 1 is in any case configured so that disinfectant agents are applied to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours.
• disinfectants agents are applied to achieve a CT index according to any of those indexes listed in Table 1, or other defined accordingly, in a timeframe of at least 24 hours, preferably at least 48 hours and even more preferably of up 72 hours.
• the sedimentation zone 1 is treated with a flocculant composition that aids in the settling process of contaminants and/or microorganisms that are present in the water body and that may have been inactivated through the CT cycles.
• the flocculant composition comprises one or more flocculant agents selected from the group comprising organic and inorganic flocculants.
• the flocculant agents are selected from inorganic flocculants comprising synthetic polymers, quaternary ammonium cationic polymers, polycationic polymers, aluminum salts, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.
• the flocculant agents are preferably selected from the group comprising a cationic or anionic polymeric flocculant and are preferably added to the sedimentation zone 1 at least once every 7 days at a rate of 0.03 g to 3.0 g per m 3 of water volume of the sedimentation zone 1.
• the sedimentation zone 1 has a large surface of at least 1,500 m 2 , preferably at least 6,000 m 2 and even more preferably of at least 10,000 m 2 , which allows minimizing the effect of water flows and water circulation that can affect the resuspension of settled contaminants from the bottom surface of the sedimentation zone 1.
• the dissipation zone 2 is suitable for direct contact recreational purposes and is preferably located nearby the periphery 12 of the water body 3 and is open to the sedimentation zone 1.
• the dissipation zone 2 is the zone that is designated to have a high density of bathers.
• the dissipation zone 2 has specific characteristics and conditions to provide a continuous disinfection to the water volume within the dissipation zone 2 and to allow an efficient dissipation of the water into the sedimentation zone 1.
• the dissipation zone is therefore defined by the following three main technical features: a) A continuous disinfection: A permanent chlorine residual is maintained in the dissipation zone 2, where such zone is disinfected so that at least a 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level is maintained in the water volume contained within the dissipation zone.
• chlorine is the preferred disinfectant agent to be applied into the dissipation zone, however, other type of disinfectants that achieve suitable disinfection parameters can also be used, such as bromine, ozone, its derivatives and mixtures thereof.
• the dissipation zone 2 is designed so that it has a design and depth that is suitable for bathers accessing and entering the dissipation zone.
• the dissipation zone has a downward slope and a depth of 1.4 meters at its deepest point.
• the dissipation zone comprises a downward slope from the periphery 12 to the bottom surface at an angle a that results in a slope of up to 15% to achieve a safe entry to the large water body, and so that it is suitable for bathers to stay in such area.
• the dissipation zone 2 is designed so that it has a depth of 1.6 meters at its deepest point, and more preferably 1.8 meters at its deepest point.
• the dissipation zone 2 comprises one or more inlet nozzles 26 located within such zone in order to provide a water flow into the dissipation zone 2, that along with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the horizontal and vertical water temperature differences in the water body, will cause water movement and renewal of such water volume contained in the dissipation zone 2 that is open to the sedimentation zone 1.
• the location, design and configuration of the one or more inlet nozzles 26 can vary to achieve different types of water renewal patterns within the dissipation zone.
• the one or more inlet nozzles 26 can be located along any section of the dissipation zone, such as its periphery and/or center.
• the one or more inlet nozzles 26 can be configured to add an efficient amount of a chlorine disinfectant into the dissipation zone in order to maintain a free chlorine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level is described in (a).
• the dissipation zone 2 is the zone that is designated to have a high density of bathers, where at least 80% and more preferably at least 90% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 is present in the dissipation zone 2 with a maximum density of 1 bather per 2 m2, preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 4 m 2 , more preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 6 m 2 and most preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 8 m 2 .
• Such 80% and 90% are calculated as a daily average, taking in account the total number of bathers that enter the water body 3, and where at least 80% and more preferably 90% of such bathers are located in the dissipation zone 2
• the low cost and sanitary efficient method of the present invention addresses the technical inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies in maintaining safe and sanitary conditions in large water bodies by combining the technical features of a dissipation zone 2 for direct contact recreational purposes, having a particular and efficient water dissipation pattern as well as a minimum permanent amount of a disinfectant, which in the event of a contamination event can safely and timely inactivate and dissipate dangerous microorganisms to a sedimentation zone 1 that is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes, wherein said sedimentation zone 1 is not physically separated from the dissipation zone 2 and which is configured to inactivate microorganisms by means of a CT disinfection method, as well as to flocculate and eliminate them in an efficient, safe manner at low costs.
• a dissipation zone 2 having a permanent minimum concentration of a disinfectant and a particular and efficient dissipation pattern as well as a sedimentation zone 1 that combines the application of a CT disinfection method with the application of flocculant agents that allow a proper inactivation and elimination of contaminants and/or microorganisms to maintain a sanitary and safe zone for recreational water purposes.
• the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern and sedimentation capacity of the water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for water recreational purposes that have not been described nor applied before and that solve the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of partly treated large water bodies, allowing thus the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others, solving thus the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative manner and at low costs.
• the dissipation zone 2 is configured to create an efficient diffusion pattern of the volume within the dissipation zone 2 due to the combined effect of the one or more inlet nozzles 26 that inject a water flow into such zone along with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body, which creates a water flow and efficient diffusion pattern within the dissipation zone 2 that forces such water volume to leave the dissipation zone 2 and cross over to the sedimentation zone 1.
• the water body may be subject to stronger winds that can influence the dissipation pattern within the dissipation zone.
• the circulation created by the one or more inlet nozzles within the dissipation zone can be adjusted as necessary to maintain a suitable dissipation pattern. For instance, where winds positively influence the dissipation pattern within the dissipation zone, the water flow from the one or more inlet nozzles can be minimized or suppressed entirely if the dissipation pattern created by the winds is sufficient to generate the necessary dissipation of water volume from the dissipation zone to the sedimentation zone.
• the water flow from the one or more inlet nozzles can be adjusted to generate the necessary dissipation of water volume from the dissipation zone to the sedimentation zone
• a contamination event when a contamination event takes place, for example, contamination brought in by new bathers with infectious microorganisms or by other means, said contamination can be dissipated from the dissipation zone 2 into the sedimentation zone 1 for its inactivation and/or removal.
• a contamination event is referred to as any event where organic or inorganic substances that pose a risk to the health of the bathers or microorganisms are brought to the water body.
• the efficient dissipation pattern of the present invention is different than conventional swimming pools, where any contamination brought in by new infected bathers or by an infection event may remain in the same confined water volume for hours or even longer before it is removed or properly inactivated, causing a potential risk for other bathers.
• certain microorganisms are highly resistant to conventional filtration and disinfection methods of swimming pools, and therefore can survive many hours or even days within the pool water volume before they are removed.
• the use of conventional filtration systems may be used as an additional treatment to the water body. Such use may be due to local regulatory requirements, or decisions by the owner/developer.
• the use of a conventional filtration system of the water body is compatible with the method and system of the present invention, however, water flows in the sedimentation zone should allow for proper sedimentation of particles.
• Such use of a conventional filtration system as an additional treatment to the water body may involve higher construction and operation costs and therefore may be implemented in water bodies having a volume of preferably up to 50.000 m3.
• the permanent chlorine level in the dissipation zone 2 can be achieved by the use of chlorine tablets, by applying diluted chlorine through the one or more inlet nozzles 26 located in the dissipation zone 2, or by manually adding chlorine to such zone in an effective amount to maintain at least a 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level.
• the water injected to the dissipation zone 2 through the one or more inlet nozzles 26 is treated with ultraviolet light (UV).
• UV ultraviolet light
• the water body comprises a plurality of separate dissipation zones 2, preferably located along the periphery 12 of the water body 3 and open to the sedimentation zone 1, wherein the dissipation zones 2 are used for swimming, bathing, and other direct contact recreational purposes, whereas the sedimentation zone 1 has an aesthetic purpose and is intended mainly for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes.
• a daily cleaning of the bottom surface to remove settled particles and fallen debris is not essential, since such zone may have a more natural aspect such as natural lakes and lagoons where the bottom surface can have a darker tonality than the bottom in the dissipation zone 2.
• the bottom surface of the sedimentation zone 1 is cleaned at least once every 7-days period. However, other time periods may be employed.
• a bottom surface cleaning device is provided to clean a bottom surface.
• the dissipation zone 2 requires a periodic cleaning of the bottom surface in order to maintain the bottom surface of such zones free of particles that may generate an aesthetic, safety, or sanitary impact in the water. Also, such zone must be periodically cleaned in order to prevent any resuspension of settled microorganisms.
• the bottom surface of the dissipation zone 2 is cleaned at least once per every 72-hours period. However, other time periods may be employed.
• the sedimentation zone 1 is limited to an even lower density of bathers of less than 10% of the total bathers present in the large water body 3. In other preferred embodiments, the sedimentation zone 1 does not allow the presence of bathers for direct contact recreational purposes and is configured to allow only the practice of aquatic sports with secondary contact purposes.
• the ratio between the volume contained within the dissipation zone 2 and the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is preferably 1 :2, more preferably 1 : 10, even more preferably 1 :30 and most preferably 1 :40, wherein such relation is calculated as the sum of all water volumes contained within the dissipation zones 2, divided by the sedimentation zone 1 water volume.
• the water from the sedimentation zone 1 and that has already been treated can be extracted from the sedimentation zone 1 and sent to the dissipation zone 2.
• Such water can be partially or completely mixed with make-up water.
• the present invention also eliminates particles and contaminants that are be susceptible to flocculation.
• the flocculant agents can be selected from the group comprising organic and inorganic flocculants.
• the flocculant agents are selected from inorganic flocculants comprising synthetic polymers, quaternary ammonium cationic polymers, polycationic polymers, aluminum salts, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.
• the flocculants added to the sedimentation zone 1 are selected from the group comprising a cationic or anionic polymeric flocculant and mixtures thereof and are preferably added to the sedimentation zone 1 at least once every 7 days at a rate of 0.03 g to 3.0 g per m3 of water volume of the sedimentation zone 1.
• Fig. 5 a functional block diagram illustrating the various components which may be utilized in connection with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
• the large water body is shown at designation 3. It will be appreciated that while the shape of the water body in Fig. 5 is shown with four-sided shape, the shape is for illustration only. Other embodiment shapes are illustrated in Figs. 1-3.
• the sedimentation zone 1 and dissipation zone 2 are shown as designated portions of the large water body 3.
• the boundary for the delimitation means 4, which is not a physical barrier, is shown at the meeting point or intersection of the sedimentation zone 1 and dissipation zone 2.
• the periphery 12 extends about the edge of the large water body 3.
• Input water to pump 25 is provided from the dissipation zone 2, treated water from the sedimentation zone 1, and any required or desired make-up water from block 27.
• the amount of water from the various locations may be adjusted based on establishing the appropriate current/flow within the large water body 3, and evaporation, among other factors.
• the pump 25 provides water to the one or more inlet nozzles 26, which together with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body, establish the current or flow (indicated by the plurality of arrows 14) from the dissipation zone 2 to the sedimentation zone 1.
• the system for dosing chemicals 29 provides chemicals to the pump 25 and optionally provides chemicals directly to the dissipation zone 2.
• the system for dosing chemicals 19 comprising one or more inlet nozzles provides the necessary chemicals to the sedimentation zone 1.
• the system for dosing chemicals 19 provides the necessary disinfectant for the desired CT cycle and the flocculant composition.
• the system for dosing chemicals 19 comprising one or more inlet nozzles may be extended for additional lengths or positions along the periphery 12 for treatment based on the size of the large water body 3. Treated water can also be drawn from the sedimentation zone 1 through a pump 30 to the pump 25 or to the system for dosing chemicals 19.
• a schematic cross section of a portion of the dissipation zone 2 is illustrated.
• the periphery 12 is shown as the demarcation between the shore or edge 15 and the water within the large water body 3.
• the downward slope from the periphery 12 to the bottom surface is preferably at an angle a that results in a slope of up to 15%. This provides an entrance into the water 16 from the shore 15 that is safe and generally comfortable for bathers entering the water.
• the Contamination Reduction Index is an index calculated based on a standardized protocol developed in the present disclosure to represent the safety and sanitary conditions of a water body treated according to the method of the invention.
• the Contamination Reduction Index is an Index that determines the time in minutes needed to dissipate a sample of an aqueous solution out of a defined water zone.
• the Contamination Reduction Index indicates the time in minutes counted as from the moment that a sample of a tinted solution is added to a particular point within a dissipation zone 2 until the tinted solution is dissipated and is not visually detectable in said dissipation zone 2.
• the Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) fairly represents the time that it will require for an aqueous contaminant brought in by a bather or by other means into a dissipation zone 2 to be dissipated out of that dissipation zone 2 into the sedimentation zone 1.
• the CRI is therefore a suitable and objective standard to assess the ability of said water zone to dissipate a contaminant in a short timeframe into the sedimentation zone 1, wherein said contaminant can be subsequently inactivated, flocculated and removed out of the sedimentation zone 1, maintaining thus safe and sanitary conditions in case of a contamination event.
• the CRI which counts the time as from the moment that the sample of a specific tinted solution is added into the dissipation zone 2 until the same is not visually detectable in said dissipation zone 2, depends on several of factors.
• the CRI of the dissipation zone 2 is influenced mainly by: the presence of an open connection to a sedimentation zone 1, the disposition of one or more inlet nozzles that inject a water flow into the dissipation zone 2 and the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body.
• the dissipation zone 2 is configured to allow a Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) of up to 30 minutes, more preferably of up to 25 minutes, more preferably of up to 20 minutes and even more preferably of up to 15 minutes and even more preferably of up to 10 minutes.
• CRI Contamination Reduction Index
• the CRI can be determined in several ways, either from qualitative and/or quantitative data and analysis.
• the information regarding the time required to complete the dissipation of a sample of a tinted solution can be obtained qualitatively by visual inspection, methods based on experience, or estimate projections. In other embodiment, the information regarding the time required to complete the dissipation of a sample of a tinted solution can be obtained from one or more manual or automatic monitoring devices.
• the standardized protocol to determine the Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) comprises assessing the time required for a water zone (a dissipation zone 2) of 144 m3 to dissipate 7L of a tinted aqueous solution comprising 30 g/L of carmine (natural red 4) and 77 g/L of NaCl out of said water zone until the tinted solution is not visually detectable in said water zone. While the test is being conducted, and in order to ensure the visual detection of the tinted solution in the dissipation zone 2, the water zone should be free of chemical agents that may reduce the detection of colorant, such as chlorine and other disinfectant agents. Once the test is finalized, chemical agents should be reestablished according to the specifications of the dissipation zone 2.
• the Contamination Reduction Index provides therefore an objective projection of the efficient water dissipation patterns of the dissipation zone 2 according to the present invention, which combined with a permanent minimum disinfectant concentration as well as with an open connection to a sedimentation zone 1 that is configured to inactivate, flocculate and eliminate dangerous microorganisms, amongst other factors, allows providing safe and sanitary conditions for large water bodies for direct contact recreational purposes.
• the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern and sedimentation capacity of the water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for water recreational purposes that have not been described nor applied before and that solve the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of partly treated large water bodies, allowing thus the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others, solving thus the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative manner and at low costs.
• the method of the present invention also allows to reduce costs compared to conventional swimming pools systems and methods, where for example a 2 hectare conventional swimming pool would require a yearly operation cost of up to US$ 1.9MM considering chemical use and electricity use, whereas the method of the present invention would bring a yearly operation cost to less than US$ 140,000 (considering chemicals and energy costs as well) up to a 90% of reduction in annual maintenance costs.
• the method of the present invention allows minimizing the risk of contamination from microorganisms that current technologies are not capable of treating.
• current swimming pool technologies or partial treatment technologies for man-made water bodies have not been able to efficiently provide a high sanitary effect and have not been able to inactivate and/or remove microorganisms that cause recreational water illnesses or other infections that could even lead to fatal outcomes.
• the method from the present invention in addition to having low capital and operation costs, allows inactivating and/or removing microorganisms from recreational water bodies in an innovative manner, generating a new concept of water sanitation at low costs.
• the sedimentation zone 1 is designed to efficiently settle the microorganisms contained within such sedimentation zone 1 water volume, and where the dissipation zone 2 allows maintaining safe and sanitary conditions for high density of bathers at low costs.
• FIG. 7 there is provided an overview of the steps designated at 700 in an embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. In addition, the steps illustrated in Fig. 7 do not require that the steps be performed in the order shown.
• a sedimentation zone 1 and dissipation zone 2 are designated within the same large water body 3.
• the two zones are not separated by a physical barrier and the ratio between the volume of water contained within the dissipation zone 2 and the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is from 1 :2 to 1 :40.
• the sedimentation zone 1 also has an aesthetic purpose and is used mainly for the practice of aquatic sports with secondary contact purposes. It is therefore designed to have a density of bathers lower than the dissipation zone 2, wherein as a daily average no more than 20% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 is present in the sedimentation zone 1.
• the dissipation zone 2 is used for direct contact purposes, such as swimming and bathing. It is designed to have a high density of bathers, wherein as a daily average, at least 80% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 is present in the dissipation zone 2 with a maximum density of 1 bather per 2 m2.
• a disinfection method based on a CT index is applied to the sedimentation zone 1 water volume.
• the CT index requires that the sedimentation zone
• the disinfection method is performed such that the disinfectant agents are applied to the water volume contained in the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours.
• an efficient amount of a flocculant composition is applied into the sedimentation zone 1.
• the flocculant aids in the settling of different microorganisms and/or contaminants that are present in the sedimentation zone 1.
• the water flows and water circulation within the sedimentation zone 1 are preferably maintained at a to allow a proper sedimentation.
• a permanent chlorine residual is maintained in the dissipation zone 2 water volume by adding an efficient amount of chlorine so that a level of at least a 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level is maintained in the water volume contained within the dissipation zone 2.
• water is injected to the dissipation zone by means of one or more inlet nozzles that — along with the natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences— allow generating a water dissipation pattern of the volume of water within the dissipation zone 2 into the sedimentation zone 1.
• the dissipation zone is injected to the dissipation zone by means of one or more inlet nozzles that — along with the natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences— allow generating a water dissipation pattern of the volume of water within the dissipation zone 2 into the sedimentation zone 1.
• CRI Contamination Reduction Index
• Figure 3 shows a water body 3 having a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 according to the present invention, wherein the dissipation zone 2 comprises a nozzle system and has a residual chlorine concentration of approximately 0.5 mg/L.
• Figure 2 shows the estimated location of the delimitation means 4, depicted as a dotted line, which is not a physical barrier and also depicts an adjacent (but completely independent) swimming pool (7) having conventional swimming pool technology, i.e., not having separate dissipation 2 and sedimentation 1 zones according to the present invention.
• Figure 4A also shows that an equivalent amount of a second red-tinted solution (6) was added into a spot inside the adjacent swimming pool (7).
• the water nozzles of the dissipation zone 2 were activated while the standard recirculation systems of the swimming pool (7) were operated according to its standard operating parameters.
• the dissipation zone 2 along with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the temperature differences in the water body, is able to safely and efficiently dissipate said contamination that might comprise dangerous microorganisms into a sedimentation zone 1 for its subsequent inactivation, flocculation and removal in a short time frame, thus minimizing the risk of bathers becoming infected by dangerous microorganisms.
• a contamination event for example, an aqueous fecal contamination or other type of contamination
• the dissipation zone 2 along with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or the temperature differences in the water body, is able to safely and efficiently dissipate said contamination that might comprise dangerous microorganisms into a sedimentation zone 1 for its subsequent inactivation, flocculation and removal in a short time frame, thus minimizing the risk of bathers becoming infected by dangerous microorganisms.
• the dissipation zone 2 is configured to have a residual free chlorine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/L, said dissipation zone 2 can withstand a massive use of bathers without compromising the sanitary quality of such zone due to the fact that in the event of a contamination, the microorganisms can be dissipated in a more efficient and safe way compared to conventional swimming pools maintaining at the same time safe and sanitary conditions in the dissipation zone 2 which is the zone that is used for direct contact recreational purposes.
• the method according to the present invention was applied to the artificial lake.
• the artificial lake was designated to include two different zones: one zone for direct contact recreational purposes designated as the dissipation zone 2 and a second zone for secondary contact recreational purposes, namely, such as for aesthetic purposes and for the practice of watersports designated as the sedimentation zone 1.
• the volume rate between the dissipation zone and the sedimentation zone was designed to be approximately 1 :6 and the sedimentation zone 1 comprised a depth of 2 meters at its deepest point, which allowed an efficient settling of the microorganisms.
• Sodium hypochlorite was added into the dissipation zone 2 so as to achieve a permanent chlorine residual concentration of at least a 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine.
• a disinfection treatment based on CT was applied adding chlorine to the sedimentation zone 1 so as to achieve a CT index of 42 during a 72-hours interval in the sedimentation zone 1.
• composition comprising a cationic polymer flocculant was added into the sedimentation zone 1 so that 1.5 g/m3 of water volume were incorporated within a 7-days period.
• the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern and sedimentation capacity of the water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for water recreational purposes that have not been described nor applied before and that solve the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of partly treated large water bodies, allowing thus the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, amongst others, solving thus the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative manner and at low costs.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
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